The National Environmental Amendment Act, passed in Parliament, allows fines of up to Rs. 20 million and imprisonment for people who dispose of hazardous waste in the environment, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya said.
She was speaking on 10 October at the 36th anniversary celebrations of Namal Uyana in Anuradhapura, where school supplies were given to more than 1,500 schoolchildren. The supplies were provided with assistance from South Korea, and a memorandum of understanding was signed between Namal Uyana and South Korea.
The Prime Minister said the ongoing education reforms aim to help children think independently, appreciate the environment and grow into well-rounded people, rather than focus only on examinations.
Ven. Wanawasi Rahula Thera, who has led efforts to protect Namal Uyana, said he was only its custodian. Health and Mass Media Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the site was declared a national heritage site in March.
